| 150 Years of Indian Railways |
| Lord Dalhousie conceived the possibility of connecting INDIA by means of Railway Communication in 1843. The idea was mooted by the British authority in consideration of the huge size of the country, not unmixed with political, strategic and economic expediencies. Britain needed a fast and reliable transport system for troop movement (to counter armed rebellion) and for exploitation of the vast resources of India. |
| Thus the first railways in the sub-continent came into being on 16th April, 1853. It ran over a stretch 21 miles from Bombay to Thane ? amidst the loud applause of a vast multitude and the salute of 21 guns?. Since then the Indian railways has not looked back and made impressive strides in shouldering a major share of transportation needs in the country. In a short period, the Indian Railways has earned the distinction of being the largest railway network in the world. Operating on more than 1,07,000 track kilometers, it carries more than 11 million passengers in a day and transport 40% of the freight |
| Now , the Indian Railways system is divided into 9 zonal railways, a metro railway, Calcutta, the production units, construction organizations, and other railway establishments. Each division presented in the table below, is usually headed by a general manager. |
| Coins on 150 Years of Indian Railways |
| Hundred Rupees Coin is of Quaternary Alloy (50% silver, 40% copper, 5% Zinc and 5% Nickel), Circular in shape with 44 mm diameter and weight 35 gms.; |
| Two Rupees Coin of Cupro Nickel Alloy (75% copper and 25% Nickel), Eleven sided 26 mm size from flat to crest and weight 6 gms. |
| World's Oldest Working Steam Engine (1855) |
| The majestic Fairy Queen rolled out for the erstwhile East Indian Railway in 1855. The steam engine is the oldest working engine in the world. Finding its pride of place in the Guinness Book of World Records and also capturing the National Tourism Award, this prestigious pristine beauty that graces the National Rail Museum, New Delhi, is steaming once again. The Queen, with the privileged ones aboard runs between Sariska Tiger Reserve (Alwar) and New Delhi. The guests will certainly go back with fond memories of a once-in-a lifetime experience. |
| PATIALASTATE MONO RAIL (1907) |
| The unique system has a single rail along with a road. On this rail ran the load carrying wheels of the train while a larger single wheel at the end of an outrigger ran on the road to keep the train upright. In 1907 the first section of an unusual Railway on the "Ewing system", connecting Bassi with Sirhind( 6 miles) was opened in PatialaState. Col. Bowles who designed this system became state Engineer and laid the Patiala State Monorail Trainway (about 50 miles in length from Sirhind - Alampura - Patiala and Patiala - Bavanigarh). Originally the trains were pulled by mules to make use of more than 500 Govt. mules maintained by the state for its army. Orenstein & Koppel of Berlin supplied 4 unique locomotives for this system in 1909. Visitors can also take a round on the unique steam hauled Patiala State Monorail Train which runs every Sunday at National Rail Museum, New Delhi. |
| DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAYS |
| The most famous of the little trains, is the one linking the town of New Jalpaiguri in the plains to the lovely hill station of Darjeeling. With a 2 ft. Gauge, the Darjeeling Hill Railway is indeed a toy train, being the narrowest of the regular narrow gauges. The tiny century-old engine is a connoisseur's delight. The 87.5 km. Darjeeling line has no tunnels, thus allowing the traveller an uninterrupted view of the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas. The seven-and-a-half hour ride up, is a journey especially farrailbuffs. The DHR is a world Heritage Site (99) and described as first and still most Outstanding hill Railway. The train was immortalised by Rajesh Khanna in song 'Mere Sapno Ki Raani' in film Araadhna |
| This is by far one of the most beautiful locomotives ever built. It is a wonder that these B class locomotives, some of which are over 100 years old are still giving immaculate service in the picturesque Siliguri - Darjeeling section of the North East Frontier Railway. This particular exhibit was one of the first prototypes built in 1889 and served upto 1952 |
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| B-777 DHR Steam Engine (1889): |
| GOI issued special coins in denomination of Rs 100 and Rs 2 in 2003 to mark 150 years of Indian Railways |
| Courtsey: National Rail Museum, New Delhi |
| Miniature Sheet Issued by India Post to Commemorate 150 Years of Indian Railways |
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| Commemorative Set (Proof) - Rs 2 & Rs 100 |